Tour du Mont Blanc: A Legendary Trek (France – Italy). The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a classic trek around the highest peak of the Alps, the majestic Mont Blanc. On our journey, we’ll traverse the route’s “Golden Arc,” its most spectacular section. Over eight days, we’ll cover approximately 90 km, gain over 6,000 m in elevation, visit two countries, and see magnificent glaciers up close.
The stunning natural beauty of France and Italy, the contrast between northern and southern slopes, the unique character of Alpine villages, the inimitable culture of the locals, and the cuisine and architecture of both countries are intertwined in this event. We’ll sample French Beaufort cheeses and Italian pasta and gelato in a single week.
This area is famous for the world’s most prestigious ultramarathon, the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, which takes place here in late summer. Some runners complete the entire circuit in less than 24 hours. We’ll go at our own pace to savor every moment.
Trip Format: According to the plan, we’ll climb all the key passes on foot, but we’ll make rational use of mechanized means (cable cars) to avoid boring descents and conserve energy for the best views. The journey will be comfortable:
- No tents: We’ll spend the night in cozy apartments in Chamonix, Courmayeur, and picturesque mountain huts (refuges).
- Light backpack: You don’t need to carry a tent, mat, sleeping bag (a liner is sufficient), or a week’s worth of food. Only personal items and daily snacks are required.
- Delicious food: Hot breakfasts and dinners in huts and restaurants instead of freeze-dried food.
A hike around Mont Blanc attracts all mountain lovers. If you’re just starting out in the big mountains, this format is the perfect opportunity to test your strength without the extreme. Experienced climbers will also find inspiration in these panoramas when planning upcoming ascents to one of the massif’s peaks.
Главные впечатления от похода по Фанским горам:
Trekking route “Around Mont Blanc without tents”:
Geneva – Chamonix – Col du Brévent (2525 m) – Lac Blanc (2352 m) – Les Houches village – Col de Voza (1653 m) – Les Contamines village – Nant Borrant hut (1459 m) – Col du Bonhomge (232 m) – Col des Fours (2665 m) – Mottets hut (1870 m) – Col de la Seigne (2516 m) – Lac Combal (1972 m) – Mont Fabre ridge (2360 m) – Rifugio Maison Vieille hut (19 Mer de Glace glacier (1913 m) – Geneva.
Your trekking guides “Around Mont Blanc without tents”
Trekking route “Around Mont Blanc without tents” by days
day
• Logistics: Group assembly in the legendary resort town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Arrival time no later than 6:00 PM.
• Program: Check-in at the apartment after 5:00 PM. Meet the guide and group. Final equipment check. If necessary, we will visit one of the many sports shops. The surrounding area is dominated by mighty mountain ranges: cliffs, snowfields, ice, and alpine meadows.
• Accommodation: Apartments in Chamonix.
day
• Program: We wake up around 7:00 AM for breakfast. At 9:00 AM, we’ll be the first to ascend the Brévent lift. A scenic acclimatization trek towards the village of Argentière awaits.
• Landscapes: We’ll enjoy panoramic views of the mighty glaciers (Mer de Glace, Glacier d’Argentière, Glacier du Tour, Glacier des Bossons) and the majestic Aiguilles de Chamonix massif. Today, Mont Blanc will be revealed in all its glory for the first time.
• Finish: The trek will end at the famous Lac Blanc (2352 m), where we will take incredible photos of Mont Blanc reflected in the water.
• Technical details (hiking route):
-Distance: 10 km
-Walking time: 5-6 hours
-Elevation gain/loss: +350 m / -80 m
• Overnight accommodation: Apartments in Chamonix.
day
• Program: In the morning, we’ll take a photo at the official start of the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Transfer to Les Houches. Climb to Col de Voza (1653 m) or go to Refuge de Miage. We’ll continue along the picturesque Val Montjoie valley past the pretty village of Les Contamines.
• Logistics: Overnight stay in comfortable apartments in the village center.
• Technical details (hiking route):
-Distance: 15-17 km
-Walking time: 6-7 hours
-Max. 1653 m (Col de Voza) Finish: 1150 m (Les Contamines).
– Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -550 m
• Accommodation: Apartments in Les Contamines.
day
• Program: We continue through the familiar village of Les Contamines. Today we will ascend along the Bon Nant River through a nature reserve. We will finish at the Nant Borrant refuge or Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme (2443 m), which is considered the oldest in the area (opened in 1870). The refuge has hot showers and snacks.
• Technical details (hiking route):
-Distance: 15-16 km
-Walking time: 6-8 hours
-Elevation gain: +1293 m/-0 m
• Overnight accommodation: Mountain refuge (Refuge).
day
• Program: This is one of the highest days. We will cross the summits of three passes:
1. Col du Bonhomme (2329 m)
2. Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479 m)
3. Col des Fours (2665 m) – the highest point of the day.
• Highlights: The areas around the passes are often covered in snow. We will descend to the village of La Ville des Glaciers, where you should try the famous Beaufort cheese, called the “king of Gruyere”.
• Finish: We will approach up along the riverbed to the Mottets refuge (1870 m) with a shower. Electricity is supplied by a private hydroelectric power station.
• Technical details (hiking route):
1. Distance: $\approx 14-16$ km
2. Walking time: $7-8$ hours
3. Elevation gain/loss: +550$ m / -1100$ m
• Overnight stay: Mountain refuge (Refuge).
day
• Program: This section is considered one of the most beautiful on the entire TMB. We cross from France into Italy via the Col de la Seigne pass (2,516 m). This is the gateway separating the Rhone and Po river basins, and through which we enter the magical Italian valley of Val Veny.
• Continuation: We descend to Lac Combal (1,972 m). Next, we climb the Mont Fabre ridge to 2,360 m to admire the impressive Miage glacier.
• Finish: A long descent to the ski town of Courmayeur.
• Technical details (hiking route):
-Distance: 20-22 km
-Walking time: 8-9 hours
-Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -1,550 m
• Overnight accommodation: Apartments/hotel in Courmayeur.
day
• Program: In the morning, enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of Courmayeur, soaking up the Italian flair.
• Logistics: In the morning, transfer to Chamonix by bus (via the Mont Blanc Tunnel).
• Excursion: After lunch, we’ll take a short excursion to France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace, and visit the Ice Cave (Grotte de Glace).
• Accommodation: Apartment in Chamonix.
day
• Logistics: Check-out from the apartment before 11:00. Transfer to Geneva Airport (GVA) by transfer.
Trekking route map “Around Mont Blanc without tents”:
Why is it profitable to go hiking with Extremeguide?
Costand conditions of trekking “Around Mont Blanc without tents”
Is this trip right for you?
The event is available to every tourist over 14 years old with good physical fitness who is ready for active recreation. To prepare for the tour, it is advisable to start training and running in advance. You will receive detailed training by email.
The price includes:
- Full support from an ExtremeGuide guide during the trek;
- Accommodation (7 nights): 3 nights in apartments in Chamonix (days 1, 2, and 7 of the program) and 1 night in a hotel/apartment in Courmayeur (day 6); 3 nights in mountain huts (Refuge) along the route;
- Transfers: Courmayeur – Chamonix shuttle bus (day 7).
- Brevent ski lift (day 2) – for the start of the acclimatization trek;
- Descent by ski lift to Courmayeur (day 6) – to protect your knees;
- Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace glacier (day 7).
- Breakfasts and dinners during stays in mountain huts (half-board).
- Navigation and communication equipment;
- Group first aid kit (with guide).
Not included in the price:
- Flight: Travel from your accommodation to Geneva Airport.
- Bus transfer Geneva – Chamonix – Geneva – €45;
- Medical insurance (mandatory with the “sports/trekking” option) – from €50;
- Meals during your stay in Chamonix and Courmayeur (cafes or self-catering in your apartment) – up to €200 for the entire program.
- Lunch breaks along the route (snacks, sandwiches).
- Personal expenses: alcohol, souvenirs;
- Showers in some mountain huts (if required) – up to €15;
- Guide tips: (optional).
Cost depending on the number of participants
| Participants number | Cost per 1 participant |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1150 EUR |
| 7 | 1180 EUR |
| 6 | 1250 EUR |
| 5 | 1300 EUR |
| 4 | 1400 EUR |
| 3 | 1500 EUR |
Best price guarantee!
- We have included in the price all possible basic expenses for the program and guarantee that there are no hidden additional costs, while we have retained the best service at a low price: transfers, hotel accommodation, guides and staff!
We have a flexible discount system
Find out the details right now:
Necessary equipment
Base:
- Backpack (30-40 l) hand-held with a loading belt and ventilated back. (A large expedition backpack is not necessary for this tour.) (Learn more about choosing a backpack.)
- Raincover: A rain cover for your backpack (required, as the weather in the Alps is variable).
- Sleeping bag liner (required). Blankets are available in the shelters, but for hygiene reasons, you should sleep in your own thin liner (cotton or silk). A sleeping bag is not necessary.
- Trekking poles are highly recommended! They relieve the strain on your knees on long descents and ascents (the total elevation change is significant).
Shoes:
- Hiking boots are your primary footwear. They should be broken in (not new!), comfortable, and preferably have a membrane (Gore-Tex) and ankle support. Order 1-1.5 sizes larger than your normal size (feet swell, and your toes shouldn’t dig in on descents). (Read more about choosing clothing and boots).
- A change of shoes – lightweight sandals, Crocs, or sneakers. These are needed for showering, resting in a hut, and exploring towns (Chamonix, Courmayeur).
Clothing (three-layer principle):
- Storm Jacket (membrane): Waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood;
- Trousers: Lightweight synthetic trekking trousers (dry quickly);
- Storm Trousers (self-shedding): Waterproof trousers (preferably membrane) for severe weather;
- Down Jacket or Warm Jacket: Lightweight down or synthetic jacket (Primaloft) for evenings and high-altitude areas;
- Fleece Jacket (Fleece): Mid-layer insulation;
- Thermal Underwear: Set (top and bottoms) for sleeping or in cold weather;
- T-shirt: 2-3 pcs. (preferably synthetic trekking ones, they wick away moisture better than cotton);
- Shorts: For trekking in warm weather (it can get very hot in the valleys below);
- Trekking Socks: 3-4 pairs (medium-weight);
- Underwear: A few sets.
Accessories:
- Sun protection: a cap, Panama hat, or buff (required!);
- Hat and gloves: A thin, warm hat and fleece gloves (at altitudes of 2,500m+, it can be cold and windy even in summer);
- Buff: A versatile scarf to wear around the neck;
- Gaiters: Protect your boots from snow and mud (recommended for June-July tours; optional for August).
Miscellaneous and personal:
- Sunglasses: Protection category 3-4 (mountains);
- Water container: Hydration pack or 1.5-2 liter bottle;
- Headlamp: + spare batteries (needed at shelters);
- Hygiene kit: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo (in small jars up to 50-100 ml);
- Towel: Microfiber (lightweight, takes up little space, dries quickly);
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ (essential!);
- Chapstick: With sun protection;
- Personal first aid kit: Bandages (lots of different ones!), medication for any chronic illnesses, stomach upsets, painkillers. (The guide has a large group first aid kit);
- Documents: Passport, insurance (in a sealed bag).
- Money (small euro bills);
- Powerbank: For charging your phone.
- lipbalm*;
- Camera*;
- Seat (under butt).
Additional Information
Program flexibility. The program can be made easier by using ski lifts on difficult sections and bus transfers (where available). If you would like to stay in Chamonix after the program, please let us know in advance – we will help you book accommodation.
Climbing Mont Blanc. If you have some energy and time left after the trek, you can book a Mont Blanc ascent. After this week of acclimatization and physical activity, climbing the highest peak in the Alps will be significantly easier and safer.
- Arrival: The most convenient airport to fly to is Geneva (GVA), a distance of 80 km. Milan or Lyon (distance 230-250 km) are also possible, but transfers from there are more complicated.
- Group gathering: Arrival in Chamonix is no later than 6:00 PM on the first day.
- Transfer: The Geneva-Chamonix-Geneva route is provided by regular shuttles (minibuses) operated by licensed transfer companies.
Important!
No later than 10 days before the start, please provide us with your flight number and exact arrival time to book your transfer.
- Documents: Tour participants require a valid passport (for Ukrainian citizens, a biometric passport or visa) and medical insurance with active sports/trekking coverage. We will advise you on choosing the right insurance.
- Money: In Italy and France, the currency is the Euro (€).
Important: Not all mountain huts have payment terminals or stable internet access for card payments. Be sure to bring small bills for water, snacks, and souvenirs.
- Health: Absence of any conditions incompatible with active tourism and high altitude (cardiovascular disease, asthma, etc.).
- How to train: We recommend starting preparation at least a month in advance. The best option: running 8-10 km 2-3 times a week, preferably on rough terrain (parks, hills), as well as endurance exercises (squats, stairs). We will send you detailed recommendations and a video via email.
Absence of diseases incompatible with active tourism: List of diseases.
Features of acclimatization in high mountains
Physical and mental preparation before climbing and hiking in the mountains
We don’t use tents. Accommodation is provided in apartments (in the valley) and mountain huts (refuges).
- Refuges are much more comfortable than tent camping, but the conditions remain spartan. Accommodations are typically in shared rooms (dormitories) for 4-10 people with bunk beds.
- Amenities: Hot showers, toilets, and electricity are available at all planned overnight locations (showers may sometimes be available for a fee of 2-5 euros or for a limited time).
Rifugio Maison Vielle
Rifugio Vieille is located in the picturesque Alps near Courmayeur, with panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Guests are offered cozy mountain rooms with simple yet comfortable sleeping and resting conditions. The hut features a restaurant serving traditional cuisine, showers, toilets, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The warm and friendly atmosphere is ideal for unwinding after a hike.
The price includes two meals a day at the shelters (half-board):
- Breakfast: Typically a continental breakfast (around 7:00 AM): tea/coffee, bread, butter, jam, muesli/cereal with milk, and sometimes yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Dinner: A hearty hot meal (soup, main course with meat and side dish, dessert).
Please note: Bottled water, cola, beer, and other beverages are not included in the price at the shelters and are available for an additional fee.
Mobile phone coverage (4G/LTE) covers most of the route, fizzling out only at high passes and in remote gorges. We recommend checking your carrier’s roaming terms.
Weather: The route runs at altitudes from 1,000 m to 2,700 m.
- Lower (Chamonix/Courmayeur): It can be hot (+25°C and above).
- At the passes: Temperatures can drop to +5°C…0°C, with strong winds possible. At altitudes above 2,400 m, snow sometimes falls even in summer.
The weather in the mountains is changeable: it’s often sunny in the morning, but short thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon. A good raincoat and a shell jacket are required.
The table shows the basic cost for a group and may change depending on the number of people in the group. For the calculation of the cost of the tour for a smaller number of people and individual groups, see the «Price» block for more details.
We guarantee that on the dates indicated in the table, even if there is a minimum number of people allowed in the group, the tour will take place 100% with a minimum change in cost.
Pleasant bonuses, which everyone receives when ordering a tour with us
Photo of previous trips
Reviews of our travelers
Recommended tours
Georgia
Dates:
June 14 - June 20
July 18 - July 24
August 16 - August 22
September 20 - September 26
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (8)
Left: 12 places
Peru
Dates:
May 2 - May 12
May 2 - May 17
May 2 - May 21
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (8)
Left: 12 places
Nepal (Himalayas) Dates:
April 18 - May 2
October 25 - November 8
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (8)
Left: 8 places
Switzerland Dates:
July 4 - July 9
July 8 - July 13
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Left: 8 places
Italy Dates:
July 13 - July 19
August 17 - August 23
September 19 - September 25
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Left: 12 places
Africa Dates:
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Negotiated